[[Image:The beach at the Strand, Townsville.jpg|thumb|150px|The beach at the Strand]]

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{{pagebanner|Townsville Australia.jpg}}

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[[File:Townsville la nuit.jpg|thumb|350px|Townsville by night]]

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'''Townsville''' [http://www.townsvilleonline.com.au/pages/index.cfm?ID=181&MenuCategory=Tourism] is a laid-back coastal city of around 163,000 people in [[Far North Queensland]], [[Australia]].

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'''[http://www.townsvilleonline.com.au/pages/index.cfm?ID=181&MenuCategory=Tourism Townsville]''' is a laid-back coastal city of around 200,000 people in [[Far North Queensland]], [[Australia]].

==Understand==

==Understand==

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Townsville is on the coast and enjoys an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. It is an appealing place for locals and a great jumping off point for visitors. A great spot for visitors wanting a taste of outback [[Australia]] while not venturing far from the coast. It offers a quiet cosmopolitan feel with its good choice of restaurants & bars but also has a relaxing siesta style during the hottest parts of the day in high summer. Townsville takes great pride in being the unofficial Capital of North Queensland.

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Townsville is on the coast and enjoys an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. It is an appealing place for locals and a great jumping off point for visitors, especially to [[Magnetic Island]] which is only 25-45 minutes by passenger or car ferry. A great spot for visitors wanting a taste of outback [[Australia]] while not venturing far from the coast. It offers a quiet cosmopolitan feel with its good choice of restaurants & bars but also has a relaxing siesta style during the hottest parts of the day in high summer. Townsville takes great pride in being the unofficial Capital of North Queensland.

* <see name="Queensland Rail, Traveltrain" url="http://www.traveltrain.com.au/" directions="4 kilometers south of Townsville City" phone="1300-131-722"> operate Tilt Train services to both Cairns and Brisbane three times a week each direction, The Sunlander also serves Cairns and Brisbane twice a week. The Inlander to Mt Isa is operated twice a week.</see>

| content= operate Tilt Train services to both Cairns and Brisbane three times a week each direction, The Sunlander also serves Cairns and Brisbane twice a week. The Inlander to Mt Isa is operated twice a week.

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}}

=== By bus ===

=== By bus ===

Line 87:

Line 112:

==See==

==See==

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[[Image:Townsville and Magnetic Island from Castle Hill.jpg|thumb|250px|East Townsville and [[Magnetic Island]] as seen from Castle Hill]]

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[[File:Magnetic Island.JPG|thumb|250px|East Townsville and [[Magnetic Island]] as seen from Castle Hill]]

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* <see name="Dairy Farmer's Stadium" url="http://www.dairyfarmersstadium.org.au/" address="Golf Links Drive, Kirwan" directions="15 kilometers north west of Townsville" phone="+61-7-4760-7590" fax="+61-7-4760-7594" email="[email protected]">If you have the chance to see a '''football''' (rugby league) match while your in the area, I would advise do so. The atmosphere in Dairy Farmers' Stadium, the home of the North Queensland Cowboys, is abuzz at all home matches. The stadium was previously known as Stockland Stadium and Malanda Stadium.</see>

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* {{see

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* <see name="Castle Hill">Castle Hill at the center of the city has amazing views both east to [[Magnetic Island]] and west to the suburbs and hills. There is a road to the top, but the steep uphill walk is also popular, particularly in the evening when it is cooler.</see>

* <see name="Reef HQ Aquarium" address="2-68 Flinders Street" url="http://www.reefhq.com.au/" phone="+61-7-4750-0800" fax="+61-7-4772-5281" email="[email protected]" price="$21.50 adults, $16.50 concession and $10.50 children. Family and group discounts are available." hours="9:30AM to 5PM every day except Christmas Day">Reef HQ is an aquarium focusing on Great Barrier Reef fish life. It is built around two large tanks each several metres high, and some twenty meters in length. The larger of the two tanks contain smaller non-predatory reef fish, and the smaller tank contains reef fish and predators including several species of shark.</see>

* <see name="Museum of Tropical Queensland" url="http://www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au/" address="70-102 Flinders Street" phone="+61-7-4726-0600" fax="+61-7-4721-2093" email="[email protected]">The Museum of Tropical Queensland's main drawcard is the display of artefacts from the ''HMS Pandora'', the ship that the British sent in pursuit of the '''HMS Bounty''. Other exhibits include the wildlife of the tropical areas of Queensland.</see>

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| phone=+61-7-4760-7590 | tollfree= | fax=+61-7-4760-7594

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| hours= | price=

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| content=If you have the chance to see a '''football''' (rugby league) match while you're in the area and are into sports, it's recommended that you do so. The atmosphere in the Stadium, the home of the North Queensland Cowboys, is abuzz at all home matches. The stadium was previously known as Stockland Stadium, Malanda Stadium and Dairy Farmer's Stadium.

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}}

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* {{see

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| name=Castle Hill | url= | email=

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| address= | lat= | long= | directions=

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| phone= | tollfree= | fax=

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| hours= | price=

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| content=Castle Hill at the center of the city has amazing views both east to [[Magnetic Island]] and west to the suburbs and hills. There is a road to the top, but the steep uphill walk is also popular, particularly in the evening when it is cooler.

| hours=9:30AM to 5PM every day except Christmas Day | price=$21.50 adults, $16.50 concession and $10.50 children. Family and group discounts are available.

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| content=Reef HQ is an aquarium focusing on Great Barrier Reef fish life. It is built around two large tanks each several metres high, and some twenty meters in length. The larger of the two tanks contain smaller non-predatory reef fish, and the smaller tank contains reef fish and predators including several species of shark.

| content=The Museum of Tropical Queensland's main drawcard is the display of artefacts from the ''HMS Pandora'', the ship that the British sent in pursuit of the '''HMS Bounty''. Other exhibits include the wildlife of the tropical areas of Queensland.

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}}

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* '''Riverway''' [http://riverway.thuringowa.qld.gov.au/map] is a riverfront parkland attraction located in the Thuringowa CBD that opened in July 2006. The area is a cultural hub opening up the rivers habitat for residents and tourists, the main attractions are the public art gallery, cultural centre, swimming lagoons and cafe. Riverway runs for 11km of the Ross River, with areas at Pioneer Park, Loam Island, Apex Park and Ross Park at the Ross River Dam where the community, visitors and tourists can enjoy all sorts of activities from sport, swimming, entertainment, dining and shopping in one of Queensland’s most spectacular river settings.

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* '''[http://riverway.thuringowa.qld.gov.au/map Riverway]''' is a riverfront parkland attraction located in the Thuringowa CBD that opened in July 2006. The area is a cultural hub opening up the rivers habitat for residents and tourists, the main attractions are the public art gallery, cultural centre, swimming lagoons and cafe. Riverway runs for 11km of the Ross River, with areas at Pioneer Park, Loam Island, Apex Park and Ross Park at the Ross River Dam where the community, visitors and tourists can enjoy all sorts of activities from sport, swimming, entertainment, dining and shopping in one of Queensland’s most spectacular river settings.

* '''Village Boulevard''' is the name of the Road into Pioneer Park and forms the city/park integration. from the car park it extends through the park as a pedestrian spine that follows the rivers edge and forms the heart of Pioneer Park.

* '''Village Boulevard''' is the name of the Road into Pioneer Park and forms the city/park integration. from the car park it extends through the park as a pedestrian spine that follows the rivers edge and forms the heart of Pioneer Park.

Line 139:

Line 188:

* '''The Willows Golf Club''' is an international-standard golf course with a 72-hectare (180-acre) golf wildlife sanctuary and also home to the Queensland Masters. The area is also home to a residential estate.

* '''The Willows Golf Club''' is an international-standard golf course with a 72-hectare (180-acre) golf wildlife sanctuary and also home to the Queensland Masters. The area is also home to a residential estate.

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*<see name="Queens Gardens" alt="" address="Gregory St, North Ward" directions="" phone="4727 8332" url="http://picnicspots.info/spots/australia/queensland/north-ward/queens-gardens/306" hours="daylight hours" price="Free" lat="-19.254347" long="146.80998">These gardens were established in 1932. There are special collections of Pandanus. They have been called Townsville's finest park.</see>

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*{{see

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*<see name="The Palmetum" alt="" address="Bruce Hwy, Douglas" directions="" phone="4727 8332" url="http://picnicspots.info/spots/australia/queensland/douglas/the-palmetum/459" hours="daylight hours" price="free" lat="-19.309458" long="146.76175">The Palmetum is a botanical garden featuring one family of plants, the palms. The collection contain all six subfamilies within the family Arecaceae. Approximately 60 species of palms are native to Australia; most are represented. The collection contains about 300 species; many rare and threatened in their natural habitat.</see>

| content=The Palmetum is a botanical garden featuring one family of plants, the palms. The collection contain all six subfamilies within the family Arecaceae. Approximately 60 species of palms are native to Australia; most are represented. The collection contains about 300 species; many rare and threatened in their natural habitat.

* <do name="The Strand Beach" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">The Strand Beach is a sandy beach right in front of the main waterfront area of Townsville. It is generally a calm swimming spot thanks to the shelter of Magnetic Island; don't bother trying to surf. An artificial swimming lagoon is located at one end.</do>

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* {{do

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| name=The Strand Beach | url= | email=

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| address= | lat= | long= | directions=

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| content=The Strand Beach is a sandy beach right in front of the main waterfront area of Townsville. It is generally a calm swimming spot thanks to the shelter of Magnetic Island; don't bother trying to surf. An artificial swimming lagoon called The Rockpool is located at one end.

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}}

[[Image:Townsville Water Playground.jpg|thumb|240px|Townsville Water Playground]]

[[Image:Townsville Water Playground.jpg|thumb|240px|Townsville Water Playground]]

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* <do name="Water Playground">This playground is at the southern end of the Strand, free and more fun than the kids can handle on a hot day.</do>

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* {{do

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* <do name="Coral Sea Skydivers" address="181 Flinders Street" phone="+61-7-4772-4889" fax="+61-7-4724-4775" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.coralseaskydivers.com.au/">Coral Sea Skydivers offer both tandem skydiver and solo skydiving training. A tandem jump will take 2 hours from pickup to floating in over the town and landing on the sand on The Strand beach. Training to conduct a solo jump starts a one day for your first jump and a complete five day course is available.</do>

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| name=Water Playground | url= | email=

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*Sailing

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| address= | lat= | long= | directions=

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| phone= | tollfree= | fax=

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| hours= | price=

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| content=This playground is at the southern end of the Strand, free and more fun than the kids can handle on a hot day.

| content=Coral Sea Skydivers offer both tandem skydiver and solo skydiving training. A tandem jump will take 2 hours from pickup to floating in over the town and landing on the sand on The Strand beach. Training to conduct a solo jump starts a one day for your first jump and a complete five day course is available.

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}}

*[[Great Barrier Reef]] Trips

*[[Great Barrier Reef]] Trips

*Day Trips to Outback or Rainforest.

*Day Trips to Outback or Rainforest.

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* '''Riverway''' [http://riverway.thuringowa.qld.gov.au/map] is a riverfront parkland attraction located in the Thuringowa CBD that opened in July 2006. The area is a cultural hub opening up the rivers habitat for residents and tourists, the main attractions are the public art gallery, cultural centre, swimming lagoons and cafe. Riverway runs for 11km of the Ross River, with areas at Pioneer Park, Loam Island, Apex Park and Ross Park at the Ross River Dam where the community, visitors and tourists can enjoy all sorts of activities from sport, swimming, entertainment, dining and shopping in one of Queensland’s most spectacular river settings.

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* '''[http://riverway.thuringowa.qld.gov.au/map Riverway]''' is a riverfront parkland attraction located in the Thuringowa CBD that opened in July 2006. The area is a cultural hub opening up the rivers habitat for residents and tourists, the main attractions are the public art gallery, cultural centre, swimming lagoons and cafe. Riverway runs for 11km of the Ross River, with areas at Pioneer Park, Loam Island, Apex Park and Ross Park at the Ross River Dam where the community, visitors and tourists can enjoy all sorts of activities from sport, swimming, entertainment, dining and shopping in one of Queensland’s most spectacular river settings.

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* '''Village Boulevard''' is the name of the Road into Pioneer Park and forms the city/park integration. from the car park it extends through the park as a pedestrian spine that follows the rivers edge and forms the heart of Pioneer Park.

* '''Village Boulevard''' is the name of the Road into Pioneer Park and forms the city/park integration. from the car park it extends through the park as a pedestrian spine that follows the rivers edge and forms the heart of Pioneer Park.

[[Image:Fish on the wreck of the Yongala.jpg|thumb|240px|Fish life swarming over the wreck of the Yongala]]

[[Image:Fish on the wreck of the Yongala.jpg|thumb|240px|Fish life swarming over the wreck of the Yongala]]

Townsville is further from the reef than the [[Cairns]] region to the north and does not have as strong a [[scuba diving]] industry, but is the closest big center to the well known '''Yongala Wreck'''. The Yongala was a luxury passenger ship sunk in a cyclone on 23rd March 1911. The wreck was found in 1958. The wreck is primarily interesting for the marine life that it attracts and is one of Australia's top dive sites.

Townsville is further from the reef than the [[Cairns]] region to the north and does not have as strong a [[scuba diving]] industry, but is the closest big center to the well known '''Yongala Wreck'''. The Yongala was a luxury passenger ship sunk in a cyclone on 23rd March 1911. The wreck was found in 1958. The wreck is primarily interesting for the marine life that it attracts and is one of Australia's top dive sites.

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* <do name="Pro Dive Townsville" address="14 Plume St, South Townsville" phone="+61-7-4721-1760" url="http://www.prodivetownsville.com.au/" price="The base price is $495, $425 if only snorkeling. Full equipment hire is an extra $95. PADI certification courses are available, including the introductory Open Water ($685 including equipment hire and the liveaboard trip) and Advanced Open Water ($725 including hire and the trip). As of late 2005, all trips were incurring an extra $55 on top of these fares covering reef tax, insurance and a fuel levy.">Pro Dive run 3 day/3 night/10 dive liveaboard trips to the reef, spending 1 day diving on the Yongala weather permitting. Trips board at 8PM Tuesday and Friday, travel to the reef overnight and return at 5PM on the 3rd day.</do>

| hours= | price=The base price is $495, $425 if only snorkeling. Full equipment hire is an extra $95. PADI certification courses are available, including the introductory Open Water ($685 including equipment hire and the liveaboard trip) and Advanced Open Water ($725 including hire and the trip). As of late 2005, all trips were incurring an extra $55 on top of these fares covering reef tax, insurance and a fuel levy.

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| content=Pro Dive run 3 day/3 night/10 dive liveaboard trips to the reef, spending 1 day diving on the Yongala weather permitting. Trips board at 8PM Tuesday and Friday, travel to the reef overnight and return at 5PM on the 3rd day.

| content=Tropical Cruise and Dive operates one day snorkeling and diving trips to Wheeler Reef most days. The diving is primarily aimed at inexperienced or uncertified divers with lots of supervision available. They also operate full diving certification courses

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}}

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* <do name="Remote Area Dive" alt="" address="25 Ingham Road, Townsville" directions="" phone="61 7 4721 4425" url="http://www.remoteareadive.com.au" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Remote Area Dive offers day trips to the Yongala wreck, Pelorus/Orpheus Island. Open Water certification is also available for a total of $615 all inclusive.</do>

| content=Remote Area Dive offers day trips to the Yongala wreck, Pelorus/Orpheus Island. Open Water certification is also available for a total of $615 all inclusive.

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}}

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* <do name="Greatest Dive Sites" url="http://australia.greatestdivesites.com/townsville"> For a list of all scuba dive sites in the region around Townsville you can visit the Townsville, Magnetic island section of GreatestDiveSites.</do>

* '''Night market''' conducted on the first Friday of each month at The Strand Park on the foreshore.

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* '''Strand Night markets''' conducted on the first Friday of each month at The Strand Park on the foreshore.

* '''Cotters Markets''' are held on Sunday mornings in the Flinders Street Mall in the city centre, with a variety of offerings including fresh produce, foods, arts and craft and other antiquities, and the

* '''Cotters Markets''' are held on Sunday mornings in the Flinders Street Mall in the city centre, with a variety of offerings including fresh produce, foods, arts and craft and other antiquities, and the

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* '''Willows markets''' are help every Sunday and the Willows shopping centre at Thuringowa central.

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* '''Willows markets''' are held every Sunday and the Willows shopping centre at Thuringowa central.

| content=The C Bar Cafe is right on the water's edge and you can look out over the bay, which just about makes the wait bearable: despite enormous demand there are few staff and at peak times you could wait up to an hour for a simple cafe meal. Breakfast lunch and dinner.

| content=For a quality Chinese meal, come to Dynasty. Boasting an excellent selection including a live lobster tank, Dynasty boasts to be Townsville's premium Chinese food service. Prices are expensive so for a cheaper feed, try the Capitol Reagent Chinese Restaurant across the road.

| content=Located in the popular southside of Palmer Street, Townsville, Michel's restaurant is a long time favourite with locals with our relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere and delicious, contemporary Australian and French influence cuisine. Be warned, as with all upscale dining. Prices are expensive. Bookings essential.

| content=For a cheap feed, head down to Molly's. Molly's might be known primarily by the locals for it's $8.50 crumbed steak every Tuesday; but it also has daily specials. The food may be fairly average (even for pub grub) and you might have to go and collect it from the counter yourself, but nothing beats cheap!

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*<eat name="C Bar Cafe" address="Gregory Street Headlands, The Strand, North Ward" phone="+61-7-4724-0333">The C Bar Cafe is right on the water's edge and you can look out over the bay, which just about makes the wait bearable: despite enormous demand there are few staff and at peak times you could wait up to an hour for a simple cafe meal. Breakfast lunch and dinner.</eat>

* <drink name="Jupiters Townsville" address="Sir Leslie Thiess Drive" phone="+61-7-4722-2333" fax="+61-7-4772-4741" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.jupiterstownsville.com.au/">Jupiters is a waterfront casino and hotel, featuring blackjack, routlette and poker among others. It contains five bars, including three in the casino.</drink>

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*<drink name="Herbert Hotel" alt="" address="102 Sturt Street Townsville" directions="" phone="4771 2641" url="www.townsvilleholidayapartments.com.au" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Herbert Hotel, 102 Sturt Street Townsville, ☎ 07 4721 1990, [new]. Situated on the corner of Stokes and Sturt Street, across the road from Woolies shopping centre and right on the corner of the inner city bus interchange, this family owned, inner city establishment is the perfect place to stay whilst visiting Townsville. There is a great, locally roasted coffee available during the bar opening hours. The tropical courtyard enhances your outdoor dining experience, while the efficient friendly staff will ensure that your stay at the Herbert Hotel will be one you will remember fondly. This Hotel is a great place for Backpackers with live entertainment most Fri and Saturday nights, poker on Sunday, and you just never really know what any night will bring at this great inner city establishment. You do not want to miss the Recliner Rockers - Townsvilles only rock band that comes with it's own cult following. Check the web site link for further details as they only play at the Herbert once every 2 months. Citation - Townsville Holiday Apartments </drink>

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In line with Queensland state laws, Townsville observes a lockout time of 3AM. This means that alcohol serving establishments have to refuse entry to patrons from 3AM onwards. Most pubs and bars on the Flinders Street nightclub strip will close between 1AM-2AM on the weekends but the nightclubs will stay open til 5AM-6AM. Patrons in clubs open until these early hours are welcome to stay past 3AM until they leave.

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When visiting the Flinders Street Nightclub Strip, males are advised to wear long trousers/jeans and closed-in shoes as most venues on this strip disallow entry to those wearing thongs/flip-flops, singlets and shorts. Most other non-Strip venues listed will allow this attire, however.

| content=For those visiting the Palmer Street Restaurant District, pop into the Aussie (as known by the locals) for a cheeky beer and a yarn with a typical Townsville local. A smoking garden is located at the very end of the hotel behind the dining area. Located towards the western side of Palmer Street.

| content=For a real South Townsville pub experience, the Commonwealth provides amply. Mingle with a vast array of interesting characters, bogans, tradies and blunt South Townsvillians and rock out to real live electric pub rock every Saturday afternoon. For the easily amused, topless raffles (a topless woman walking around the pub selling raffle tickets) are conducted between 12-3pm every Saturday afternoon as well. To top things off, drinks are cheap.

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* {{drink

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| name=The Cri(terion) | url= | email=

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| address=10 The Strand Townsville City | lat= | long= | directions=

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| phone=+61-7-47215777 | tollfree= | fax=

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| hours= | price=

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| content=Officially known as the Criterion but always as 'The Cri' by locals. Until the State liquor licensing authority cracked down on the Cri. It used to be known as 'the bogan bar' where many a punch by young drunk angry men were thrown. While quieter, it still enjoys a reputation for 'bogantrey' - if that's a word. Come down on a Saturday for a dirty night out. A Poker night and acoustic acts feature throughout the week.

| content=Townsville's newest drinking establishment! Come down and revel in the new hip spot for young and old alike. Drink's are moderately priced

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| name=The Heritage Bar | url=http://www.heritagebar.com.au/ | email=

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| address=137 Flinders Street East | lat= | long= | directions=

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| phone=+61-7-4771 2799 | tollfree= | fax=

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| content=Renowned for attracting class, The Heritage has a reputation for usually being full of beautiful men and women. Come for a cocktail and stay for a look. Maybe even try your luck! Drinks are quite expensive. Next to Casa Bar.

| content=Bringing together the best of former Thuringowa, Irish Finnegans aims to please with live bands and DJ's every Friday and Saturday. Make sure to come after 9PM to meet the rowdy locals who meet here regularly. Come for Saint Patrick's Day celebrations where everyone is Irish for the day. There is a large smoking area out the side door. Drinks are reasonable

| content=Tear it up with the uni kids at the Uni Club. Drop in for O-Week celebrations in February and July and celebrate like only a drunken university student can. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays especially go off with live bands often playing or DJ's spinning all the popular club hits. Drink prices can be a bit steep. Located towards the back of the campus off Angus Smith Drive.

| content=Just located down from the Townsville Entertainment Centre, Jupiters is a waterfront casino and hotel. It features blackjack, roulette and pontoon among others. Being a casino, naturally it features Townsville's widest selection of pokie machines. It contains five bars, including three in the casino. It also features outdoor two smoking areas. Drinks are surprisingly well-priced. For nightowls, the Casino is the only place that allows entry to patrons after 3am on weekends where it is usually open til about 5AM.

| content=As one of Townsville's three Irish themed pubs, Molly Malone's (or Molly's for short) makes it's reputation with the older crowd, usually stocked with patrons 35 and older (but quite often stocked with plenty of twenty-somethings too!) Live bands play every Friday and Saturday with softer acoustic acts playing during the week.Drinks aren't so cheap though, with basic spirits starting at $7.00 and higher. The aptly named Five Bar featured in Molly's serves cocktails. An open smoking and drinking area with tables and chairs are located out the back in the Shed Nightclub's forcourt as the two are interlinked. Located at the eastern end of the Flinders Street just across the Road from Flynn's Irish Pub. Open til 2AM on Friday and Saturday.

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* {{drink

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| name=Monsoons | url=https://www.facebook.com/Monsoonstvl | email=

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| address=194 Flinders Street East | lat= | long= | directions=

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| phone=+61-7-4771 3428 | tollfree= | fax=

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| hours= | price=

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| content=For a relaxing game of pool, or maybe a catch up with friends, Monsoons provides all with a relaxing atmosphere. It features quite decent views of the Ross River mouth from it's balcony outside. Drinks are not horribly priced. Drinking specials feature every Tuesday. Located on the western side of Flinders Street East next to Dynasty Chinese restaurant.

| content=For an intimate and quiet drink before dinner; or perhaps a calming catchup with a friend, the Pandora Room in the Holiday Inn building makes for a graceful experience. Drinks are quite expensive. Located on the first floor of the Holiday Inn, to the right.

| content=For the seediest of us, come to Townsville's premier (I use that word loosely)strip club and get a dance with a fair maiden. Drinks are quite steep. Located to the left of Bullwinkle's Nightclub and across the road from Molly Malones. Up the stairs.

| content=Come for a drink in the beer garden by the sea! Drink prices are moderate. Every Saturday night upstairs features the infamous 'Grab a Granny'; an informal event where the single older ladies/cougars of Townsville come to meet and greet!

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* {{drink

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| name=The Sovereign | url=http://sovereignhotel.com.au/ | email=

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| address=807 Flinders Street West | lat= | long= | directions=

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| phone=+61-7-47712909 | tollfree= | fax=

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| hours= | price=

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| content=Townsville's premier Gay bar serving the wider LGBT community of North Queensland. The Sovereign Hotel offers a welcoming pub, bar, live entertainment and comfortable, affordable accommodation in one of the most desirable Townsville areas.

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}}

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* {{drink

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| name=Watermark | url=http://www.watermarktownsville.com.au | email=

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| address=72-74 The Strand | lat= | long= | directions=

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| phone=+61-7-47244281 | tollfree= | fax=

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| hours= | price=

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| content= Located on the eastern part of the Strand, the Watermark attracts tourists and locals alike with it's calm ocean views and chic design. Drinks are quite expensive but there is a cheap drink happy hour every Friday from 5 - 7pm.

| content=Affectionately referred to as the Sugar Shaker by the locals, the Holiday Inn has stood in pride as an iconic part of the Townsville horizon since 1976. The Holiday Inn serves with the usual facilities. In addition, there is a rooftop pool.

| content=The Mercure is located 4.5 kilometers from Townsville's center. Facilities include a pool, a barbecue area, tennis courts and babysitting.

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* <sleep name="Seagulls Resort on the Seafront" address="74 The Esplanade" phone="+61-7-4721-3111" fax="+61-7-4721-3133" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.seagulls.com.au/"> Seagulls is located close to the city and Castle Hill. Accommodation is available in the form of resort rooms, family rooms, rooms with kitchenettes, self contained two-bedroom apartments or suite rooms. Two pools, half court tennis, playground, barbeque facilities, bar and award winning restaurant on site. Complimentary off street parking. Rooms start at $110 per night. </sleep>

| content= Seagulls is located close to the city and Castle Hill. Accommodation is available in the form of resort rooms, family rooms, rooms with kitchenettes, self contained two-bedroom apartments or suite rooms. Two pools, half court tennis, playground, barbeque facilities, bar and award winning restaurant on site. Complimentary off street parking. Rooms start at $110 per night.

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* <sleep name="The Summit Motel" address="6-8 Victoria Street" phone="+61-7-4721-2122" fax="+61-7-4721-3986" url="http://www.summitmotel.com.au/" price="Rooms from $99 per night">The Summit Motel is a 2 minute walk from the city centre and a 5 minute walk to the strand beach. Includes satellite TV, a pool, and airconditioning </sleep>

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* {{sleep

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| name=The Summit Motel | url=http://www.summitmotel.com.au/ | email=

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| address=6-8 Victoria Street | lat= | long= | directions=

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| phone=+61-7-4721-2122 | tollfree= | fax=+61-7-4721-3986

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| hours= | price=Rooms from $99 per night

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| checkin= | checkout=

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| content=The Summit Motel is a 2 minute walk from the city centre and a 5 minute walk to the strand beach. Includes satellite TV, a pool, and airconditioning

*<sleep name="Herbert Hotel" alt="" address="102 Sturt Street Townsville" directions="" phone="07 4721 1990" url="www.townsvilleholidayapartments.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Situated on the corner of Stokes and Sturt Street, across the road from Woolies shopping centre and right on the corner of the inner city bus interchange, this family owned, inner city establishment is the perfect place to stay whilst visiting Townsville.

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There is a great, locally roasted coffee available during the bar opening hours.

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The tropical courtyard enhances your outdoor dining experience, while the efficient friendly staff will ensure that your stay at the Herbert Hotel will be one you will remember fondly.

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This Hotel is a great place for Backpackers with live entertainment most Fri and Saturday nights, poker on Sunday, and you just never really know what any night will bring at this great inner city establishment.

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| name=Coral Lodge Inn | url=http://www.corallodge.com.au/ | email=

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You do not want to miss the Recliner Rockers - Townsvilles only rock band that comes with it's own cult following. Check the web site link for further details as they only play at the Herbert once every 2 months.

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| address=32 Hale St | lat= | long= | directions=

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| phone=+61-7-4771512 | tollfree= | fax=

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Citation - Townsville Holiday Apartments

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| hours= | price=AUD60

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| content=Clean, cozy little rooms with shared bath and toilets. Residents have access to a full kitchen as well as bbq area. Internet is very slow but functional. No breakfast provided, despite the "B&B" in the name.

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| name=Shore Drive Motel | url=http://www.shoredrive.com.au | email=

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| address=117 The Strand | lat= | long= | directions=

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| phone=+61747716851 | tollfree= | fax=

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| content=A tropical beach, the rockpool is among what this hotel offers.

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==Stay safe==

==Stay safe==

Line 315:

Line 700:

'''Saltwater crocodiles''' ARE present in Townsville and ALL swimming locations (including the beach) should be approached with extreme caution.

'''Saltwater crocodiles''' ARE present in Townsville and ALL swimming locations (including the beach) should be approached with extreme caution.

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==Contact==

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==Connect==

===Internet===

===Internet===

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*<buy name="Internet on the Mall" address="Shop 1, 313-335 Flinders Street" email="[email protected]" price="$5 for 45 minutes, laptop access $7 for 45 minutes" hours="7AM until late evening">Internet on the Mall is a fully automatic internet cafe with a 1.5Mbit connection. PC access is available via pre-paid cards, and wired and wireless laptops are available via credit card purchase. It is in the CBD (in the mall!).</buy>

| content=Internet on the Mall is a fully automatic internet cafe with a 1.5Mbit connection. PC access is available via pre-paid cards, and wired and wireless laptops are available via credit card purchase. It is in the CBD (in the mall!).

| content=The Internet Lounge has access to ADSL2+. There are computer terminals or you can use your own laptop. It is located out along one of the main arterial roads in Townsville, about 10 minutes from the CBD by car (half an hour walk).

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*<do name="Internet Lounge" address="1/238 Charters Towers Rd, Hermit Park Townsville Qld 4812" email="[email protected].au" url="http://www.internetlounge.com.au" hours="Trading Hours: Mon - Fri 0900 - 1800, Sat 0900 - 1300, Closed Sunday">The Internet Lounge has access to ADSL2+. There are computer terminals or you can use your own laptop. It is located out along one of the main arterial roads in Townsville, about 10 minutes from the CBD by car (half an hour walk).</do>

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* The three public libraries all have free wi-fi, available 24/7 in the close vicinity of the library even when the libraries are closed. Thuringowa Drive, Ross River Road and Flinders Street.

Understand

Townsville is on the coast and enjoys an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. It is an appealing place for locals and a great jumping off point for visitors, especially to Magnetic Island which is only 25-45 minutes by passenger or car ferry. A great spot for visitors wanting a taste of outback Australia while not venturing far from the coast. It offers a quiet cosmopolitan feel with its good choice of restaurants & bars but also has a relaxing siesta style during the hottest parts of the day in high summer. Townsville takes great pride in being the unofficial Capital of North Queensland.

Get in

By plane

By car

Townsville is on the Bruce Highway (A1) between Cairns in the north, Mackay and Brisbane to the south. The city is also served by the A6 (Flinders Highway) to Charters Towers and Mt Isa to the West.

The Northern Beaches district (part of former Thuringowa) is also on the Bruce Highway (A1).

As stage 2 of the Townsville-Thuringowa Ring Road (known as The Ring Road) is completed, it will become the new National Highway route through the city. The first stage, the 5.3 km Douglas Arterial Road, opened to traffic in April 2005, and stage 2 is to be opend by late 2008.

By train

By bus

Public transport in Townsville and the former Thuringowa city consists of bus services run by Sunbus. Sunbus provides services for most parts of the city with runs from the Thuringowa CBD, Townsville CBD and most suburbs thought-out Townsville, plus special services for the football nights at Dairy Farmers Stadium, Tony Ireland Stadium at Riverway and any major events at Black River Stadium or the Townsville Entertainment centre, for bus times and runs please visit the Sunbus website at [2] or Phone: +61 7 4725 8482. There is also a bus service available from the Townsville's Hermit Park Bus Service, running from Bushland Beach in the Northern Beaches area to the Townsville CBD, For more information, visit the Hermit Park Bus Service website at [3] or phone: (07) 4779 1658 or 1800 351 225. Detours is another bus service that can take care of your charter or tour needs.

By taxi

Taxis operate 24 hours and service all areas of Townsville.

Tour Operators

North Queensland River and Road Tours

Pop Sullivan Tours

Tropical Tours

David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along Tours

Get around

The Sunbus [4] bus route operates 7 days a week with 7 main lines going around the town

See

Riverway is a riverfront parkland attraction located in the Thuringowa CBD that opened in July 2006. The area is a cultural hub opening up the rivers habitat for residents and tourists, the main attractions are the public art gallery, cultural centre, swimming lagoons and cafe. Riverway runs for 11km of the Ross River, with areas at Pioneer Park, Loam Island, Apex Park and Ross Park at the Ross River Dam where the community, visitors and tourists can enjoy all sorts of activities from sport, swimming, entertainment, dining and shopping in one of Queensland’s most spectacular river settings.

Village Boulevard is the name of the Road into Pioneer Park and forms the city/park integration. from the car park it extends through the park as a pedestrian spine that follows the rivers edge and forms the heart of Pioneer Park.

Tony Ireland Stadium is the Second stage of Riverway, and consists of an international standard AFL and Cricket stadium, capable of holding 10'000+ people, and was first used to host the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash cricket match on the 31th of December 2007.

Riverway Arts Centre is a geographical formation with a grass roof that is incorporating the parkland without a decrease in the amount of grassed area. It also lowers the interior temperature by reducing the roof surface temperature.

Lake Ross (at the end of Riverway Drive) is part of the Ross River Dam and stores over 215,000 mega liters of water, water is held by a earth rock embankment 8.35 kilometers in length and 27 metres in height (the longest in the southern hemisphere) and occupies a catchment area of 750km2 with a concrete spillway that flows into the Ross River, Visitors can view the dam from a viewing platform at Ross park. Lake Ross is a Wetland of National Significance. The shallow areas of the lake provide a habitat for a large number of water birds, Over 220 species of bird have been recorded around the lake area. You can book a tour of the lake by contacting one of the following commercial operators: Pop Sullivan Tours - [5] or phone 4772 2833 or 0407 167 254. NQ River and Road Tours [6] or phone 4788 9600. Ross Park in front of the dam wall has picnic and toilet facilities. The Bird Observers Club holds bird-watching walks on the 3rd Sunday of each month, for more info please call 4778 1945

Ross River winds it way thought the city and play part to a large range of sporting and leisure activities. The Riverwalk is a pathway that overlooks Ross River. Loam Island and Pioneer Park are part of the Riverway development and provide locals and visitors with entertainment such as, Skiing and wakeboarding plus some good fishing spots. Other areas along Ross River are Apex Park and Ross Park.

Lake Paluma is a man made lake in the World Heritage Rainforest. The area has weather proof shelters, BBQs, and camp sites but no domestic animals are allowed in this area due to the population of Platypus, Peregrine Falcon or Eastern Water Dragon. Swimming and non motorized vessels are allowed. Lake Paluma's camping area has a limited number of sites available so you will need to pre-book a permit at their website [7].

Big Crystal Creek is part of Paluma Range National Park (approximately 65km from Thuringowa Central). It features large deep swimming holes that are very popular with locals and visitors. The icnic areas, BBQ's, camping, and toilets are wheelchair accessible. Free bookings for the campsite can be made [8] or by phoning Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on 13 13 04.

Little Crystal Creek(60km from Thuringowa Central) is one of the most popular destinations for locals and tourists where you can swim in the crystal clear water, have a picnic or BBQ and there are toilet facilities here with wheelchair access.

Bushland Beach was one of Thuringowa`s most popular residential beachside community (approximately 19km from Thuringowa Central), and is now one of Townsville's fastest growing residential communities. At low tide you can walk to a wooden shipwreck and some fantastic ponds that are full of marine life that the whole family can enjoy. There is a boat ramp for public use at the beach plus BBQs and kids playgrounds, Bushland Beach also has a hotel, resort and a small shopping center.

Ocean Palms Resort is right on the beach. One of the most popular attractions here is the barramundi feeding.

Saunders Beach is a sandy beach which stretches for kilometers, Saunders beach is one of Thuringowa's more popular beaches but you can often have this beach to yourself due to the long length. there is also a boat ramp.

Toolakea Beach is a quiet beach, ideal for birdwatchers and fishing or a quite day on sand. This area has a picnic area as well as public toilets.

Bluewater is a fresh water attraction (approximately 28km north of Thuringowa Central) that is very popular for picnic's and family fun, the area includes BBQ`s, play equipment, toilets and showers. The best place to access the creek is near the bridge at the Bluewater Store or Bluewater Park. Bluewater Park has a limited free tent and vehicle camping area [9].There is also a Urban Forest that is next to Bluewater Park this is a fitness trail around 800m long with 8 activity's along a pathway. There is also a boat ramp available near Bluewater Drive.

Toomulla Beach is somewhat of a isolated beach, but boasts and a great free camping area, picnic area, public toilets and a boat ramp for public use. This is also another great area for bird watching.

Balgal Beach is a small community 53km north of Thuringowa Central (located a few minutes from Rollingstone) and is the perfect day or overnight destination for locals and tourists that visit the Townsville area. Balgal Beach features clean, white sand, a stinger net that is patrolled from November to May for safe swimming. A boat ramp is available to allow easy access to Palm Islands area. Apart from the beach, the wide creek mouth is a great fishing location. Other activities in here include the ANZAC memorial, a picnic and BBQ at the park, bird watching, golf and lawn bowls at Mystic Sands Golf & Country Club.

The Rollingstone Community Hall holds a fish BBQ on the first Sunday of each month at 5PM.

the Fisherman`s Landing Kiosk is a licensed cafe and can supply you with ice, bait and groceries, Plus there is accommodation at any of the following, the Balgal Beach Holiday Units, Balgal Bed & Breakfast Retreat, the Thuringowa city Council`s two tent camping and vehicle camping areas [10].

Rollingstone Park(51km north of Thuringowa Central) is a camping area that is popular due to the freshwater creek swimming area next to the park. Community markets are held on the first Saturday of each month, April to September from 8AM. Rollingstone also has a Museum, Caravan Resort and shop.

Paluma is a township of around 25 permanent residents in the Mount Spec ranges of Thuringowa's heritage listed Wet Tropics.

Piper`s Lookout on Hervey Range lets you view over the land below Hervey Range and all the way out to sea. While you in the area you can check out the Hervey`s Range Heritage Tea Rooms here they serve refreshments and offer all the info about the local history.

Greenwood Park Sporting Complex was officially opened on February 15, 2007. It features 8 fully lit Touch Football fields as well as carparking and a fully licenced clubhouse which is home to Redskins Touch Club and Thuringowa Touch Association.

The Willows Golf Club is an international-standard golf course with a 72-hectare (180-acre) golf wildlife sanctuary and also home to the Queensland Masters. The area is also home to a residential estate.

Do

Riverway is a riverfront parkland attraction located in the Thuringowa CBD that opened in July 2006. The area is a cultural hub opening up the rivers habitat for residents and tourists, the main attractions are the public art gallery, cultural centre, swimming lagoons and cafe. Riverway runs for 11km of the Ross River, with areas at Pioneer Park, Loam Island, Apex Park and Ross Park at the Ross River Dam where the community, visitors and tourists can enjoy all sorts of activities from sport, swimming, entertainment, dining and shopping in one of Queensland’s most spectacular river settings.

Village Boulevard is the name of the Road into Pioneer Park and forms the city/park integration. from the car park it extends through the park as a pedestrian spine that follows the rivers edge and forms the heart of Pioneer Park.

Diving

Fish life swarming over the wreck of the Yongala

Townsville is further from the reef than the Cairns region to the north and does not have as strong a scuba diving industry, but is the closest big center to the well known Yongala Wreck. The Yongala was a luxury passenger ship sunk in a cyclone on 23rd March 1911. The wreck was found in 1958. The wreck is primarily interesting for the marine life that it attracts and is one of Australia's top dive sites.

Juliette's Artisan Gelateria, Landsborough Headlands | The Strand, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, ☎0747725565. A traditional Italian-style gelateria with a selection of 32 flavours that change regularly. Di Bella coffee is served with love by knowledgeable baristas. Also has a shop at 7/58 The Strand, Townsville which does a smaller selection of gelati, coffee, juices, smoothies and cakes. $1 - $24.

Drink

In line with Queensland state laws, Townsville observes a lockout time of 3AM. This means that alcohol serving establishments have to refuse entry to patrons from 3AM onwards. Most pubs and bars on the Flinders Street nightclub strip will close between 1AM-2AM on the weekends but the nightclubs will stay open til 5AM-6AM. Patrons in clubs open until these early hours are welcome to stay past 3AM until they leave.

When visiting the Flinders Street Nightclub Strip, males are advised to wear long trousers/jeans and closed-in shoes as most venues on this strip disallow entry to those wearing thongs/flip-flops, singlets and shorts. Most other non-Strip venues listed will allow this attire, however.

Stay safe

Box jellyfish and other stingers can be in the ocean during the summer months. Read the warning signs, and don't swim at the beach outside of the stinger enclosures. A sting from the box jellyfish can be fatal. There are two stinger enclosures along the Townsville beaches.

Saltwater crocodiles ARE present in Townsville and ALL swimming locations (including the beach) should be approached with extreme caution.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!